4 min read
Navy SEAL Foundation, Green Beret Foundation, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, and Wounded Warrior Project Unite to Champion National Reform
The Navy SEAL Foundation, the Green Beret Foundation, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), and Wounded Warrior Project have launched the Veteran Alliance for Legislative Outreach and Reform (VALOR), a new national coalition uniting veteran-serving organizations, researchers, and policy advocates to transform mental healthcare for those who have served.
Each of the founding organizations brings a unique perspective, proven track record, and dedicated community to this shared mission. Coalition members will have access to research, advocacy leadership, and a collaborative network committed to addressing the mental health challenges faced by veterans and their families.
VALOR debuted today on Capitol Hill with a press conference led by U.S. Representative General Jack Bergman, followed by legislative meetings. The launch comes amid growing bipartisan support to expand access to evidence-based therapies and address challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), substance use disorder, and chronic pain.
By uniting leading nonprofits under a shared mission, VALOR advocates for legislative changes that prioritize the unique mental health needs of veterans, including expanded access to psychedelic-assisted therapies. The coalition also works to educate lawmakers, mobilize grassroots support, and confront the root causes of the veteran suicide epidemic through coordinated action.
Robin King, CEO of the Navy SEAL Foundation, said, “The Navy SEAL Foundation is proud to be a founding member of the VALOR coalition. Our community is hungry for more information, access, and options when it comes to alternative treatment modalities for the invisible wounds sustained in service to our nation. By uniting with VALOR’s network of committed organizations, we can help ensure that evidence-based, innovative care is not only explored but made accessible to those who need it most. This is about saving lives, restoring hope, and delivering on our promise to those who have given so much.”
Charles Iacono, President and CEO of the Green Beret Foundation, said, “The Green Beret Foundation is honored to stand alongside the Navy SEAL Foundation and our fellow VALOR coalition partners in this vital mission. The Special Forces community has long faced the devastating effects of invisible wounds, and the Green Beret Foundation knows firsthand the urgency of providing the warfighter community with access to the most effective, evidence-based treatments available. By joining forces through the VALOR Coalition, we can accelerate the delivery of innovative care, break down barriers to access through evidence-backed strategies, and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to those who have sacrificed in defense of our nation. We are stronger together, and the coalition offers a new path forward for the greater SOF community.”
“Our nation has a profound opportunity to better serve the mental health needs of those who’ve defended our country,” said Amber Capone, Co-Founder & CEO of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS). “At VETS, we’ve seen firsthand through research and legislative wins that psychedelic-assisted therapies can profoundly reduce suffering and restore hope within the veteran community. VALOR represents the kind of bold, united front required to drive policy change and expand access to treatments that could hold significant promise for those who’ve served.”
Brian Dempsey, Government Affairs Director for Wounded Warrior Project, added, “Veterans deserve access to the highest quality, cutting-edge, and evidence-based treatment. Comprehensive care for mental health should grow with science and not lag behind due to stigma. Wounded Warrior Project is honored to join VALOR in pushing for national policies that meet veterans where they are, and get them the support they need to thrive.”
VALOR is open to nonprofit veteran organizations, research institutions, and allied advocates. Membership offers coordination in advocacy efforts, direct participation in legislative initiatives, access to emerging research and funding opportunities, and recognition as a leader in veteran healthcare reform.
Organizations and individuals interested in joining VALOR can visit www.supportvalor.org or contact membership@supportvalor.org.